The consumption of any sugar, including fructose, does not cause diabetes as diabetes is a complex disease brought on by the convergence of many factors. In fact, fructose may be beneficial for those trying to control their blood sugar levels. Fructose has a low glycemic index and results in moderate release of insulin to the bloodstream relative to glucose and sucrose.
A review article by Bantle et al. (2009) noted that studies in people both with and without diabetes have demonstrated that fructose produces a smaller postprandial rise in plasma glucose and serum insulin than other common carbohydrates. Similarly, a systematic review, by Cozma et al. (2012) found that fructose consumption did not significantly affect fasting insulin or glucose among diabetics. A meta-analysis by Sievenpiper et al. (2012) found that „catalytic‟ doses of fructose significantly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (a measure of blood sugar control over a period of several months) and fasting glucose levels without adversely effecting body weight, triglycerides, or insulin levels. A review conducted by Rippe (2013) found that most studies do not support an association between sugar consumption and increased risk of diabetes. Further, stronger studies, including randomized controlled trials and cohort studies, suggest that there is no link (Rippe, 2013).